Ecstasy: Not Just A Love Drug

deadly dehydration

Most confirmed deaths from MDMA have been caused by dehydration because MDMA alters the way the body regulates its internal temperature, and, combined with a hot club and hours of dancing, can result in dangerous overheating.

the kidneys feel it too

Oddly, Ecstasy causes the brain's hypothalamus to secrete an anti-diuretic hormone, which stops the kidneys from producing urine and makes it difficult for MDMA users to urinate.

It can therefore cause the kidneys to improperly process water, and lead to dangerously high water content in the blood (if too much water is ingested), which counteracts the dehydrating effects of E.

long-term effects

Regular use of MDMA may cause long-term brain changes, which may be linked to an increased risk of mental health problems, including chronic depression and premature senility. Likewise, controlled studies have already suggested that the drug is toxic to the neurons in the brain, and that it may permanently damage serotonin uptake and production in the brain.

There may be some concern that brain cells actually begin to get pruned or atrophy, hence the scare tactics inherent in most anti-drug propaganda. Research from University College London has also shown that former Ecstasy users may suffer memory impairment, even a year or more after giving up the drug.

Ecstasy is hard on the liver and kidneys and long-time users may develop liver and kidney problems later on in life. People with problems such as epilepsy, high blood pressure and depression are thought to be more likely to suffer side effects from Ecstasy use.

addiction

Although Ecstasy is not considered physically addictive, it may be psychologically addictive. Also, repeat users build up a drug tolerance relatively quickly and require larger and larger quantities to sustain their usual high and their expensive drug habit.

Also, most MDMA users report feelings of sadness and depression for several days after taking the drug, therefore rendering the user less effective and motivated in a social or work context for days after consumption.

Hypothetically, the lowest level at which Ecstasy could be toxic (taken from research on animals) is around 200mg for an average person. Individuals vary in sensitivity to MDMA, so it's difficult to determine how different people will react to it.

herbal alternatives

Certain health food stores attempt to market pills that are supposed to mimic the effects of Ecstasy, but are legal to sell. Ephedrine, used as an ingredient in "herbal ecstasy," has side effects similar to those of MDMA, such as a racing heart, dry throat, and speed-like effects. But none of the ingredients in the herbal alternatives cause the serotonin and dopamine release, which are essential to the emotional rush of Ecstasy. Likewise, just because these supplements are legal, that does not guarantee safety.

ecstasy revisited

There is some research going on in psychotherapy clinics to see if MDMA can aid in the treatment of mental illness. Ecstasy can be used to break down the self-protective boundaries between therapist and client, or emotional blocks within the patient, but for now it remains an illegal, unmonitored, risky drug.